Coach's take: "We are headed into the season with many new or inexperienced runners. The promise that some of the runners have shown leaves me pleasantly intrigued by what this season will bring. One step at a time."

Coach's take: "As a group, this may be the best in-shape team coming into the season Kennedy has had the past few years. Ultimately, the goal is to retain the city title that the boys captured last year, and push for the NVL, state honors."

Coach's take: "This year's team possesses talent, mental toughness and preparation. If we can find a solid fifth runner, we may be able to run with the league favorites."

@Quote, name:SEYMOUR

Coach: Dave Willadsen (6th season, 64-36)

2012 record: 13-9

Key players: Sr. Matt Maloy, Jr. Dan Peterson, So. Joe Adiletta

Coach's take: "We have a very young team looking to establish their own legacy and build their own program. We hope to be a competitive team in the NVL. Early on, this team is demonstrating great character and a desire to do things the right way."

Coach's take: "We have several younger runners that are freshmen and sophomores that will have a major impact on our program. We are working hard in practice and look to have a successful NVL season and CIAC Class M finish."

Coach's take: "Nonnewaug and Lewis Mills have battled for the league crown the past two years. Look for more of the same this year, although they don't appear to be as dominant this year. Litchfield, Shepaug, Northwestern and Thomaston have the ingredients to make some noise."

Coach's take: "The boys look to move up the ladder in the highly competitive SWC. They were fifth last year, so a finish in the top three would be a solid goal to pursue. The team is looking to jell behind Sam and Tom DePalma. The large roster should be a great asset."

Coach's take: "The SWC is one of the strongest boys leagues in the state for cross country, with two of the top three teams in New England last year (Newtown, New Milford). The Oxford boys should finish in the middle of the pack for the SWC."

Coaches' take: "We hope to compete well and see where we end up. There should be stiff and intense competition once again. As we remain healthy, we will keep an eye on attaining a top 10 spot in Connecticut."

Coach's take: " The girls are training hard and are ready to improve from last year. We have a strong core of girls that are continuously striving for faster times and achieving small goals early on. We have a young team, but the girls are excited about this season."

Coach's take: "The girls have come in motivated and have put in a lot of work. They might just surprise some people this fall if the races fall our way. We are going to be very competitive, that much I know. A top-five finish is the goal, but as a group they think they can get much more."

Coach's take: "The girls returned with more miles under their belts from summer training, and they can see the results already. The group works well together, on and off the course. Keeping the top runners healthy throughout the season could be crucial."

Coach's take: "Unfortunately, with graduation losses, we will be a few pieces short of contending for a top-three team finish in the league this year. I am hopeful that we can focus on individual improvement to drive our team. We do have a good group this year so hopefully they can take their cues from our two captains."

Coach's take: "The girls are hoping to continue their winning ways in the BL, where they have not lost since 2006. The Berkshire League is traditionally a very strong cross country league, which should continue in 2013. Thomaston has the most returning firepower but the large schools, Class M Nonnewaug and Lewis Mills, have the best chance of augmenting their already solid squads."

@Quote, name:KAYNOR TECH

Coach: John Snopkowski (17th season)

2012 record: 7-1 CSC runner-up

Key players: Sr. Mabelitza Guzman (captain), Jr. Arianna Wasley

Coach's take: "The top four or five runners should be solid once they get into racing shape. There are many new girls, which makes it difficult to predict how deep this team will be."

Coach's take: "We have a very competitive team in a very competitive SCC. It is one of the toughest leagues in the state. We qualified for New Englands two years in a row and are working to make it a three-peat."

Coach's take: "The girls won the SWC last year and look to pursue the title again. They also finished one point out of the New England meet. A team goal would be to make the trip to New Hampshire in November for the New Englands."

Coach's take: "Our team is very deep this season. There are 12 girls fighting for the top seven spots. Olivia (Richter) is one of the best runners in the area. Our biggest concern is injuries. Last year we lost three of our top five to injuries and still finished sixth at states."

Coach's take: "As defending champs in the HVAL and with a second-place finish in the CISAC last season, we will be right in the mix again this year. We hope to compete with Westover and some of the other larger CISAC schools."

— Info supplied by coaches

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